Shuttle box control mechanism



June 7, 1955 R. 5. WORK SHUTTLE BOX CONTROL MECHANISM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1Filed Dec. 11, 1952 MHW $3 June 7, 1955 R. 8. WORK 2,710,030

SHUTTLE BOX CONTROL MECHANISM Filed Dec. 11, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 g Yl? United States Patent O SHUTTLE BOX CONTROL MECHANISM Robert S. Work,Kennett Square, Pa., assignor to Lansdowne Steel and Iron Company,Morton, Pa., fa corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 11,1952, Serial No. 325,313

15 Claims. (c1. lea- 187 The present invention relates to shuttle boxesfor looms and has particular --applic-ation to carpetloorns wherein theshuttle is snubbed in the shuttle box by a swell. I

In looms having conventional shuttle boxes of this character, thespeedof operation must be 'relativelyslow because the retarding action of theswell on the shuttle as the latter is being picked reduces theforceava'ilable for traversing the shuttle and, consequently, thetraverse of the shuttle through the shed is proportionately slowed. Inaddition, at high speeds,'the shuttle is highly susceptible todeflection from'its normal path, for example, by the interferenceby'broken or slack ends in the path of the shuttle. The displacementfrom the normal path causes the shuttle 'to enter the box atan angle andnot infrequently deflects the swell beyond its normal operating range.Looms'ordin'arily are provided with a limit switch operable by the swellto indicatethepresence of the shuttle in the shuttle box. 'When'theshuttle deflects the swell beyond its normal operating 'ra'ngeQitfrequently occurs that the limit switch 'isdamaged and 'must be replacedor r'epaired'before the-lobrn' can' proceed in operation.

With the foregoing in'mind,' a primary'object er 'the present inventionis to provide animproved shuttle box construction which makes possiblerelatively high lspeed of operation of the shuttle and consequently of'the'doom.

More specifically, the invention'contempl'ates'a' novel swell releasemechanism which is'operable to eliminate the retarding action of theswell as the-shuttle is-being picked.

A further important'object is to provide a novel switch mechanism whichwill remain operative =an'dundamaged when the swell is displaced beyonditsnormal operating range.

These and other objects of'the invention and the various features anddetails of the construction and opera tion thereof are more fully setforth hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a front elevational view of-an improved shuttle box made inaccordance with the present invention as applied to the left hand sideof a 'loom;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the shuttle box illustrated in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the improved-shuttle box; I

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional new taken on the line 4-4 ofFig. 2; 7 w I Fig. 5 is an enlarged fra'gmentaiysec'tioiial view" takenon the line 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a'fragmehtary'rar' view in "perspectiveof the outer end of theswell of the improved shuttle'ib'o'x;

Fig. 7 is a face 'view of "an improved 'switch ma'de'in' accordance withthe present invention 'with"'the cover plate removed.

Fig.'8 is'a transverse sectional'view tak'en on the-line 8-8 of Fig. 7;and j Fig. 9 is a schematic-wiringdiagram inbodied inthe presentinvention.

2,710,030 Patented June 7, 1955 'Referring now to the drawings, theillustrated shuttle box is defined by opposed wall members 11 and 12which are adjustably secured to the lay cap 13 to insure proper seatingof the shuttle on the latter. The lay cap 13 is slotted as indicated at14 adjacent its left-hand extremity to afford penetration of aconventional picker stick 15. The picker stick 15 extends upwardlythrough the slot into engagement with a picker 16 which is slidablymounted in the shuttleb'ox so as to close the end thereof. The'pickerstick and the. picker operate in conventional manner to'pick'the'shuttl'e 17 across the loom on the'lay.

Thewall member 11 is slotted as indicated at 1810 receive a swell 19which is offset inwardly along its central portion 20 so as to projectinto the shuttle box. The swell is pivotally mounted as indicated at 21on the wall member 11 adjacent the open end of the shuttle box forinward pivotal movement through the slot 18 The swell 19, the front wall'12, and the upper'surface of the lay cap 13 are preferably lined asindicated at 22 with 'a synthetic plastic material such as laminatedfabric impregnated with a phenolic resin.

The swell extends longitudinally inteiiorly of the shuttle box from thepivot-21 at'the open'end thereof towards the picker in the" oppositeend, and the outer endof theswellterminates exteriorly the box asindicated at'23. The outer 'end23 is resiliently positioned relative tothe lay cap- 13, "by an eyebolt 24' attached to the swell as indicatedat 25 and passing'through an-apertur e 'in'abra'cket 26 secured to'thebed of the lay. Positioni'ng nuts 27 are threaded onto the-eye bolt 24at the outer extremity thereof to provide a limit StOpWhiCllpredetermines the ultimate interior position of'the swell 19 in theshuttle box. The swell is resiliently-biased to this position by aspring 28 seating atone end againstthe bracket 26 and at the other end'against tensioiiing nuts 29 which [are adjustable on the'eyeb'olt 24 topredetermine-the force urging the swell 19 into its ultimate inferiorposition. In this position the interior face-of the swell convergesrearwardly towards the opposite side wall 12 of the shuttle box.

ln 'theoperation of the loom, after the shuttle 17 is picked out ofthe-shuttle box,-the swell 1'9 is pivotally displaced by the spring 28about the pivot 21 into its ultimate interior position in th'e shuttlebox as determined bythe nuts 27'on the eye'bolt 24. When -the shuttle-isreturned to the shuttle box froma corresponding box on the rightahandside ofthe loom, it engages-the converging central portion 20 of theswell and forces it outwardly against the'bias of the spring 28 as theshuttle comes to' rest against the picker 16, thereby snubbing theshuttle and preventingit 'frombouncing back from the picker at-- the endof the pick.

It should be noted that by. pivoting the swell adjacent the open end ofthe 'shuttl'e box, the shuttlaasit comes to' rest against'the' picker16, is resiliently biased against the opposite wall 12' of the shuttlebox by'the spring- 1oaded swell-19. As stated above, the wall 12 'isatljustably'secured to the lay cap and it is therebypossible to regulatethe initial path by which "the'shuttle leaves the shuttle box. Thesnubbing'action on the shuttle may be a'ceuratelycontrolled bythe'p'ositioning nuts '27 and the ten'sioning nuts 29*whi'ch determinerespectively' 'the normal position of theswellandthe force required todisplace the'latter as the" shuttle enters the shuttle box.

In accordance with the present invention, means is provided to'releasethe spring bias on "theswellimmediately prior to each pick so that theshuttle is relatively unimpeded at the start of the pick. To this end, aswell release-'shaft 32 is journalled on the lay cap 13 asindic'a'ted-at -31,31-in spa'ced'p'arallel relation 'withthe shuttlebox-wall 1 1. .An-upwardly'projecting' finger 33' is secured to-'th'e"left hand extreirii'ty ofthe 'shaft'iz and-operates'to engage adownwardly depending lug 34 on the swell 19.

The finger 33 normally is 'loosely engaged against the lug 34, and uponcounterclockwise rotation of the shaft as seen in Fig. 4, the fingerforcibly engages the lug to urge the swell 19 outwardly against the biasof the spring 28.

To effect counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 32 at the start of eachpick, a collar 35 is fixed to the shaft 32, for example, by welding, andis provided with an axially extending arm 36. A second collar 37 isrotatably mounted on the shaft 32 and is formed with a rearwardlyprojecting boss 38 which is operable to engage the arm 36. A torsionspring 43 between the collar 37 and the adjacent journal 31 on the laycap 13 reduces to a minimum the lost motion between the collar 37 andthe arm 36, the spring normally biasing the boss against the arm 36. Thecollar 37 also is provided with an integral leg 39 depending downwardlyfrom the collar and terminating at its lower extremity in a foot 40.

With reference to Fig. 3, it will be seen that as the lay is rocked backimmediately before each pick, the foot 40 engages against a fixed stop41 on the frame 42 of the loom. The stop 41 acts through the leg 39 toeffect counterclockwise rotation of the collar 37 about the shaft 32.The rotation of the collar forcibly engages the boss 38 against the arm36 and causes similar counterclockwise rotation of the shaft 32 in itsjournals 31, 31. The rotation of the shaft operates through the finger33 and the lug 34 to displace the swell outwardly against the bias ofthe spring 28, as described above. Thus, it is seen that as the shuttleis being picked, the swell is withdrawn from engagement therewith anddoes not impede the traverse of the shuttle across the loom. Theabove-described mechanism is simple in operation and obviates thenecessity for daggers or other devices operated from the cam shaft ofthe loom, and therefore eliminates the previously required adjustment tocoordinate the release mechanism with the picking mechanism.

In addition to the automatic release of the swell, means is provided torelease the swell manually, for example, when it is desired to changethe shuttle on the loom. To this end, a swell release hand lever 44 isfixed to the right-hand end of the swell release shaft 32. Through themedium of the lever 44, it is possible to manually rock the shaft 32counterclockwise so as to displace the swell outwardly against the biasof the spring 28.

The invention also contemplates means for stopping the operation of theloom if the shuttle fails to seat properly in the box. Since the swell19 is pivoted adjacent the open end of the shuttle box, its positionrelative to the opposite wall 12 of the box is determined by the extentof penetration of the shuttle into the box. For example, if the shuttle17 stops short of the picker 16 or bounces away from it, the outwarddisplacement of the swell 19 will not be as great as when the shuttle isseated properly against the picker. The present invention, therefore,provides an improved switch 46 responsive to a predetermineddisplacement of the swell 19 for maintaining the loom in operation.scribed more fully hereinafter to stop the loom if the shuttle fails todisplace the swell the required distance, as when the shuttle is notproperly seated against the picker. A similar switch 47 (see Fig. 9) isprovided at the right-hand side of the loom for actuation by acorresponding swell when the shuttle is in the right-hand position. Athird switch 48 is actuated by the cam shaft 49 of the loom, asdescribed more fully hereinafter during traverse of the shuttle from oneside of the loom to the other.

To actuate the switch 46 by the swell 19, the latter member is providedat its outer end with an outwardly projecting pin 51. The pin isoperatively connected to the switch 46 by a crank 52 which is slotted asindicated at 53 to receive the pin 51. The crank 53 is fixedly securedto the tapered portion of an operating shaft 54 of the switch 46 asindicated at 55. The shaft 54 is mounted The Swltch 1S operable as detherefore, the slightest pivotal displacement of the swell for rotationin the switch box 56 and is formed at its interior end with a camsurface 57, as will be described more fully hereinafter. Interiorly ofthe box 56, a switch plate 61 is provided which is connected to oneterminal 62 of the box by means of a flexible lead 63. A switch point orcontact 64 is formed integrally with the switch plate 61 and iselectrically connected to the terminal 62 through the switch plate 61and the lead 63.

A second switch point or contact 66 is operable to engage 'the contact64 in response to actuation of the shaft 54. To this end, the contact 66is formed integrally with a breaker arm 67 having a downwardly dependingfinger 68 which rides on the cam surface 57. The finger 68 isresiliently held against the cam surface 57 by means of a leaf spring69. The spring 69 serves not only as a bias for the finger 68 but alsoconstitutes an electrical connection between the contact 66 and aninterior terminal 71 mechanically fixed to, and electrically insulatedfrom the switch plate 61. The terminal 71 is connected to a secondoutside terminal 72 of the switch box 56 by a flexible lead 73.

In the operation of the switch, when the shaft 54 is in the illustratedposition, the finger 68 registers with the low portion of the camsurface 57 and the breaker arm 67 under the bias of the spring 69 is inits lower limit position so that the switch points 66 and 64 engage andmake electrical connection between the terminals 62 and 72. 'When theshaft is rotated clockwise, as when the relative to the shaft 54 throughthe medium of the securing means 55.

It will be seen, therefore, that when the shuttle is properly seatedagainst the picker in the shuttle box as illustrated in Fig. 3, theswell 19 is displaced outwardly a predetermined distance. The outwarddisplacement of the swell through the medium of the pin 51 effectsrotationof the crank 52 and the shaft 54, which in turn causes theswitch mechanism to make contact between the switch points 64 and 66respectively. Should the shuttle 17 fail to seat properly against thepicker 16, the swell'will not be displaced outwardly the requireddistance. The pin, therefore, willnot rotate the crank sufficiently tobring the lower portion of the cam under the finger 68 of the breakerarm 67, and consequently, the

'- switch mechanism will not make contact between the switch points 64and 66.

The present construction lends itself to extremely accurate control ofthe loom by the shuttle, since the pin 51 is at the extreme outermostend of the swell 19 and,

will effect a noticeable displacement of the pin 51. If the shuttlestrikes the swell so as to knock it out of its normal operating range,the crank will be rotated counterclockwise beyond the full line positionof Fig. 4. but

' the switch mechanism will not be damaged.

As stated above, a similar switch 47 is applied to the opposite end ofthe 100111 so that when the shuttle is properly seated in the oppositeend, the switch 47 makes contact. In accordance with the invention, itis necessary to maintain continuous contact in the circuit de is securedto the cam shaft,49 and operates against a cam follower 79 which isconnected to a crank 80 in the switch 48 fcorresponding to the:crank-SZinthe switch 46. The cam'is formed to close the switch 48during tthe period 'ofa normal pick, so that iifithe loom is operatingproperly ati-least one of the switches 46,'4.7,and-48 will operate tomake contact in the circuit. Should the'lo'om operate improperly,however, so that the shuttle does not follow its-normal course, theswitch 48 will'op'en -to stop operationof the loom after thenormalpicking time has elapsed and if the shuttle is notproperlyseatedxagainst one of the pickers. 1

Thee'lectrical circuit for effecting this result isschematicallyillustrated in Fig-:9. The loomis provided with the usualstart and stop buttons -82 and 83 respectively. The 'start button82 isoperable to place amot'or control relay 84 across the'rnain line whichis 'indicated' :by the reference numerals 85 1and' 86 respectively, thecircuit passing from the line 86" through the conductor 87 to therelaycoil 84, and then through'the closed start button 8210'- the oppositeside of the line 85. Energization of the relay coil 84closesthe'contacts .91 and 92 respectively "of the relay. The'conta'cts9'1 close a circuit tothe loom motor 93, said circuit leadingfrom -one' -side86 of the line, throu'gh the c'onductor'i8f7, themotorx93, and the contacts 91 to the other side 85 of the line by:means=of acon'du'ctor 94, The-other contacts'92 of the relay energize atransformer 95. Thelatter circuit vruns from the line 86 through 'theprimary' coil 'of 'thextransfo'rmer'95', and the contactsr92 anda91, totheother side '85 of the line through the conductor 94.

.Ene'rgization of -thetransformer 95: energizes a second relay 96 whenany one of =the three: switches 16., 47, and 48-"is closed. The threeswitches are connected tintparallelso that the closure of any one switchcompletes a circuit to the relay coili96 from one sideiof :the secondarycoil or the transformer -through a conductor 97 through one of theswitches '46, -47, 'or 48,!in3the15resent instance the switch 46,through-therelaycoil 96 to the opposite side-of the secondary coil. Thetransformer "95 is a step-down transformer, so that voltage across theswitches '46, '47, and 48, when the latter are 'open'is .relativelylow,-and there"is little danger of an are being 'g'en'erated and starting afire .in the loom.

Energiza'ti'on of the relay-coil 96 closes the contacts 98-tocornp'letea holding circuit through the relay coil- 84. This circuit runsfr'om one-'side" 86 o'fthelline through the conductor 87, the relay coil' 84,'the' normally closed stop button 83, a conductor '99, 'the'irelay'contacts 98, the'contacts-92 and '91, andtheconductor :94't'o theopposite side 85 of the'line. Thus, it' is seen "that the zstart buttonneeds to be depressed only' until the"loo'm motor 93 starts operationatwhich point the bu'tton'SZ may be released and the relay 96 willmaintain-"the loom' in operat'ion'through its "contacts 98.

'If, during the operation, all of-the switches 46, -47,=and 48 are opensimultaneously, the relay :96will be' 'de-ener-' gized -to stopoperation of the 100m. The- 'operatormay then adjust the position of theshuttle t'o rnake surethat it is properly seated in one of theshuttleb'oxes. When the's'huttle is properly seated against-a-ipieker,for example, the picker 16, thes'witch "46 will be closed 'and the's't'art button82 may again be depressed. The loo'm will continueoperation when' the button sl is released, because '-'of the holding"circuit through the relay contacts 98 and the normally'clo'se'd-stop'button 83. 'Wheni-t' is desired to stop the 'loo'm, the stopbutton "83 :is depressed to'op'en thislatter circuit, thereby-deenergizing" the-relay 84 and causing the loom to'stop'-op'eration.

While a particular embodiment of I the invention has been hereinillustrated and described, it'is not intended to 'limit'the invention tosuch-'di's'c losurepand changes and modifications rn'aybe made I thereinand thereto thesc'ope of the following" claims.

{'1 claim:

' '1. Ina loom comprising a frameand adaybed o'ckalily" mounted thereonfor tnovernent betwe'en reward and'frearward :lirnit po's'itions,-*a5511111116 box open at its inner end to receive andadischargeaishuttle,rpiking means to pick the shuttle from the shuttle boxwhensaid lay bed is in said rearward limit 'position, a swell pivotedadj'acen'tthe :open end 'of said shuttlebox having a portion offsetinwardly to project into said shuttle box, resilient meansnor'mallybiasing. said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbingengagement of theotfset port'ionwith the shuttle, means to render .saidresilient biasing means substantially ineifective comprising a memberactuatable to engageand displace-said swell outwardly of the shuttle boxagainst the bias of said'resilient means, =rneans operableupon movementof the lay bed to said rearwardlimit position to actuate said membertodisplace the swell -and thereby relieve s'rlubbin'g engagement'of-said swell-with the-shuttle immediatelysprior to each operationofthe picking means, and switch means t0= control oper'ati'on of saidpicking means actuatableby said swell uponpredetermined outWa-rd'displacement"thereof to-=cl'ose said switch and effect operationoftherpickinglmeans.

I 2. Ina loom-comprising 'a frame; a' lay bed rockably mounted thereonfor movement between-forward rand rearward :limit. positions,' a shuttlebox' .open at its inner end to "receive and'discha'rge' ashuttle,-'-'means to pickthe shuttle from the- 'shuttle box when:saidi'ay bed is in -.its rearward limit position, drive'means forsaid'lay bed and said picking means including'anelectric 'circuittherefor, a-swell pivoted adjacent theopen end'of said shuttle boxhaving itscentralportion'bfiset inwardly to project 'into said shuttleboX-anditso'uter end terminating eX-teriorly ot -said shuttle :b'ox;iesilient 'rneans normally biasingsaid swell inwardly of said shuttlebox-for rsnubbingen'gagement of the ofiset portion with the shuttle,said "swell being-displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when theshuttle seats properly in said-shuttle boxymeans to render-saidresilient biasing means s'ulavstantially ineffective comprisinga-member' operable to engage-and displace said :swell "outwardly beyond:said predetermined displacement against the bias of said:resili'entmeans, and means operable upon movement of the-lay bedto saidrearward limit position to actuate saidimernber and-thereby relievesnubbing enga'gem'enfiof said swell with said shuttle-immediate'lyfpriorto each picking operation, switch means to control said electriccircuit, "and -'co'nnectio'ns-betweenthe swell and the switch operableupon outward "dis lacement of said swell to closesaid switch andmaintain thes'ame closed during displacem'ent' of' sa'icl 'swelloutwardly be 'yond said predetermined displacement.

:exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing saidswell inwardly of said shuttle box f'orsnubb'ing "engagementof the'o'ii's'et portion with theshu't'tle, said swell being displacedoutwardly a predetermined distan'ce when the shuttle "seatsproperly insaidshu'ttle box, means 'to're'nd'er said resilient biasing meanssubstantially ine'ifective comprising a' member operable roen gage' anddisplace said swell outwardlybeyond 'said p'redetermined displacementagainst the' 'bias of said resilient means, and means pers'ble upon"movement of the lay bedto s'aid rear-wardlimit-position to actuate saidmember and there by relieve the snubbing engagement of saidswellwithsaid shuttle immediately prior" to e'ach pi'ck, switch means -to controls'aid electr'iccircuit, andcenn'eetions' between the swell and saidswitch operable upon 'outward displacement ofwsaidswellto alumna switch:and' mairit'ain-the same closed"during displaeement etsaidrswelt beyondsaidpre- "'7 determined displacement, said switch means comprising arotary shaft operable through said connections to be rotated upondisplacement of said swell, a cam surface on said shaft, and a switcharm operable by said cam surface upon predetermined displacement of saidswell to close said electric circuit.

4. In a 100m comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon formovement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pickthe shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in its rearwardlimit position, drive means for said lay bed and said picking meansincluding an electric circuit therefor, a swell pivoted adjacent theopen end of said shuttle box having its central portion offset inwardlyto project into said shuttle box, and having its outer end terminatingexteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing saidswell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offsetportion with the shuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly apredetermined distance when the shuttle seats properly in said shuttlebox, means to render said resilient biasing means substantiallyineffective comprising a member operable to engage and displace saidswell outwardly beyond said predetermined displacement against the biasof said resilient means, and means operable upon movement of the lay bedto said rearward limit position to actuate said member and therebyrelieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediatelyprior to each pick, switch means to control said electric circuit,connections between the swell and said switch operable upon outwarddisplacement of said swell to close said switch and maintain the sameclosed during displacement of said swell beyond said predetermineddisplacement, said switch means comprising a rotary shaft operablethrough said connections to be rotated upon displacement of said swell,a cam surface on said shaft having adjoining high and low portions, anda switch arm operable by said cam surface, said switch arm beingpositioned to engage said cam surface, the point of engagement of saidswitch arm and said cam surface coinciding with the juncture of saidhigh and low portions upon the said predetermined displacement of saidswell to close said electric circuit.

5. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon formovement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pickthe shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in its rearwardlimit position, drive means for said lay bed and said picking meansincluding an electric circuit therefor, a swell pivoted adjacent theopen end of said shuttle box having its central portion ofiset inwardlyto project into said shuttle box, and having its outer end terminatingexteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient means normally biasing saidswell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offsetportion with the shuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly apredetermined distance when the shuttle seats properly in said shuttlebox, means to render said resilient biasing means substantiallyineffective comprising a member operable to' engage and displace saidswell outwardly beyond said predetermined displacement against the biasof said resilient means, and means operable upon movement of the lay bedto said rearward limit position to actuate said member and therebyrelieve snubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediatelyprior to eachpick, switch means to control said electric circuit,connections between the swell and said switch operable upon outwarddisplacement of said swell to close said switch and maintain the sameclosed during displacement of said swell beyond said predetermineddisplacement, said switch means comprising a rotary shaft operablethrough said connections to be rotated upon displacement of said swell,a cylindrical cam surface on saidshaft having adjointing high and lowportions,"and a switch arm engaged by said cam surface and operable bythe low portion thereof to close said electric circuit, the said lowportion engaging said switch arm upon said predetermined displacement ofthe swell and during displacement of said swell outwardly beyond saidpredetermined displacement.

6. In a loom comprising a frame and a lay bed rockably mounted thereonfor movement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, picking meansto pick the shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in saidrearward limit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of saidshuttle box having a portion olfset inwardly to project into saidshuttle box, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly ofsaid shuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with theshuttle, means to render said resilient biasing means substantiallyineffective comprising a member actuatable to engage and displace saidswell outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said resilientmeans, and means operable upon movement of the lay bed to said rearwardlimit position to actuate said member to displace the swell and therebyrelieve snubbing engagement of said swell with the shuttle immediatelyprior to each operation of the picking means.

7. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon formovement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pickthe shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearwardlimit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttlebox having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box,resilient means normally biasing said' swell inwardly of said shuttlebox for snubbing engagement of the oifset portion of the shuttle, meansto render said resilient biasing means substantially ineflectivecomprising a member actuatable to engage and displace said swell,outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said resilient means,an element pivotally connected to said member and operable to engage andactuate the latter, said element having a depending portion positionedto engage said frame upon movement of the laybed to said rearward limitposition and to be actuated thereby so as to actuate said member anddisplace the swell outwardly of the shuttle box and relieve snubbingengagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to eachoperation of the picking means.

8. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon formovement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pickthe shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearwardlimit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttlebox having a portion offset inwardly to project into saidshuttle box,resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle boxfor snubbing engagement of the offset portion of the shuttle, means torender said resilientbiasing means substantially ineffective comprisinga rotary member, finger means on said member actuatable to engage anddisplace said swell outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias ofsaid resilient means, an element pivotally connected to said member andoperable to engage the latter and effect rotation thereof, said elementhaving a depending portion positioned to engage said frame upon movementof the lay bed to said rearward limit position and to be actuatedthereby to rotate said member to thereby displace the swell outwardly ofthe shuttle box and relieve snubbing engagement of said swell with saidshuttle immediately prior to each operation of the picking means.

9. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon formovement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle boxopen at its. inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pickthe shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearwardlimit'position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open 9 end of said shuttlebox-having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box,resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle boxfor snubbing engagement of the'olfset-portion'ofthe shuttle; means torender said resilientbiasing meanssubstan'tia'lly ineffective comprisinga shaft mounted for rotation "about an axis paralleling-the shuttle"box,'finger'means fixedons'aid shaft actuatable- I to engage anddisplace said swell outwardly of the shuttle -box against-thebiasofsaid're's'ilient means, a member rotatable on said shaft operable toengage and to effect rotation thereof, said member having a dependingportion positioned to engage said frame upon movement of the lay bed tosaid rearward limit position and to be actuated thereby to rotate saidshaft and to displace the swell outwardly of the shuttle box and relievesnubbing engagement of said swell with said shuttle immediately prior toeach operation of the picking means.

10. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon formovement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pickthe shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearwardlimit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttlebox having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box,resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle boxfor snubbing engagement of the offset portion of the shuttle, means torender said resilient biasing means ineffective comprising a shaftmounted for rotation about an axis parallel to the path of travel of theshuttle in the shuttle box, finger means fixed on said shaft actuatableto engage and displace said swell outwardly of the shuttle box againstthe bias of said resilient means, and means operable to engage thelatter and effect rotation thereof upon movement of the lay bed to saidrearward limit position to rotate said shaft and displace the swelloutwardly of the shuttle box to relieve snubbing engagement of saidswell with said shuttle immediately prior to each operation of thepicking means.

11. In a loom comprising a frame, a lay bed rockably mounted thereon formovement between forward and rearward limit positions, a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, means to pickthe shuttle from the shuttle box when said lay bed is in said rearwardlimit position, a swell pivoted adjacent the open end of said shuttlebox having a portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttle box,resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle boxfor snubbing engagement of the offset portion of the shuttle, means torender said resilient biasing means substantially ineffective comprisinga shaft mounted for rotation about an axis paralleling the shuttle box,finger means fixed on said shaft actuatable to engage and displace saidswell outwardly of the shuttle box against the bias of said resilientmeans, a member rotatable on said shaft operable to engage and to effectrotation thereof, said member having a depending portion positioned toengage said frame upon movement of the lay bed to said rearward limitposition and to be actuated thereby to rotate said shaft and to displacethe swell outwardly of the shuttle box and relieve snubbing engagementof said swell with said shuttle immediately prior to each operation ofthe picking means, and a second member fixed to said shaft andactuatable manually to rotate the same and thereby relieve snubbingengagement of the swell with the shuttle.

12. In a loom comprising drive means, electric circuit means operable toeffect and maintain operation of said drive means, and a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, a swellpivoted to said shuttle box adjacent the open end of said shuttle box,having its central portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttlebox, and having its outer end terminating exteriorly of said shuttlebox, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of saidshuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with theshuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distancewhen the shuttle seats-properly iB-LS81 d iShUtflB -bDX,3 switch meansoperable "upon said predetermined outward displacement of the swell toclose said rcircuit and maintain operationof said' drive means, saidswitch meanscomprising a rotary shaft, connections between. saidshaftaandasaid swellrop erable to rotate said shaft uponqdisjplacement'of said swell, a cam surface on said.-.shaft,:iand- :a-Iswitch: armactuated-by said cam surface-upon-said predetermined displacement ofsaid swell to close said electric circuit.

13. In a loom comprising drive means, electric circuit means operable toeffect and maintain operation of said drive means, and a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, aj swellpivoted to said shuttle box adjacent the open end of said shuttle box,having its central portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttlebox, and having its outer endterminating exteriorly of said shuttle box,resilient means'f normally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttlebox for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, saidswell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distance when theshuttle seats properly in said shuffle box, switch means operable uponsaid predetermined outward displacement of the swell to close saidswitch and maintain operation of said drive means, said switch meanscomprising a rotary shaft, a crank adjustably secured tosaid shaft,connections between said crank and said swell operable to rotate saidshaft upon displacement of said swell, a cam surface on said shafthaving adjoining high and low portions, a switch arm in engagement withsaid cam surface, said switch arm operable to be displaced to close saidelectric circuit when the arm engages the low portion of said camsurface, the said low portion registering with said switch arm upon saidpredetermined displacement of the swell.

14. In a loom comprising drive means, electric circuit means operable toeffect and maintain operation of said drive means, and a shuttle boxopen at its inner end to receive and discharge a shuttle, a swellpivoted to said shuttle box adjacent the open end of said shuttle box,having its central portion offset inwardly to project into said shuttlebox, and having its outer end terminating exteriorly of said shuttlebox, resilient means normally biasing said swell inwardly of saidshuttle box for snubbing engagement of the offset portion with theshuttle, said swell being displaced outwardly a predetermined distancewhen the shuttle seats properly in said shuttle box, switch meansoperable upon said predetermined outward displacement of the swell toclose said circuit and maintain operation of said drive means, saidswitch means comprising' 'a rotary shaft, a crank secured to said shaft,connections between said crank and said swell operable to rotatesaidjshaft upon displacement of said swell, a cam surface on said shafthaving adjoining high and low portions, a switch arm registering withsaid cam surface, means to bias said switch arm into engagement withsaid cam surface, said biasing means operable to displace said switcharm when the latter registers with the low portion of said cam surfaceto thereby close said electric circuit, the said low portion registeringwith said switch arm upon said predetermined displacement of the swell.

15. In a loom comprising drive means, electric circuit means operable toeffect and maintain operation of said drive means, shuttle boxes atopposite sides of said loom, and means actuated by said drive means totraverse a shuttle from one said shuttle box to the other, each saidshuttle box being open at its inner end to receive and discharge theshuttle and having a swell, the central portion of said swell beingoffset inwardly to project into said shuttle box, and the outer end ofsaid swell terminating exteriorly of said shuttle box, resilient meansnormally biasing said swell inwardly of said shuttle box for snubbingengagement of the offset portion with the shuttle, said swell beingdisplaced outwardly a predetermined distance when the shuttle seatsproperly in the shuttle box, switch means associated with each saidshuttle box to control said electric circuit, each said switch meanscomprising a rotary shaft, connections between said swell and said shaftoperable upon displacement of said swell to rotate said shaft, a camsurface on said shaft, and a switch arm actuated by said cam surfaceupon said predetermined displacement of said swell to close saidelectric circuit, and separate switch means operable by said drive meansto close said electrlecircuit during the normal traverse of said shuttlefrom one shuttle box to the other.

r References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTSBacon Dec. 1, 1908 Cole June 28, 1910 Santon June 30, 1936 Gordon Aug.17, 1937 Mason June 17, 1952 Dufourd Jan. 13, 1953

